The Philippines - The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget - page 636

Destinations Bato (every 30min; 2hr); Cebu City (every
30min; 3hr).

a small private beach for sun-worshippers. Owned by the
same Filipino-German couple as The Last Filling Station and
Planet Action Adventure. If Tipolo is fully booked ask about
their new budget property, Bamboo Inn (fro m P750 ), a
10min walk back towards Moalboal. Free wi-fi. P1800

DIVE OPERATORS
Dive operators are stretched along the beach and most are
connected to resorts; shop around before you commit.
Freediving Philippines T 0928 263 4646, W freediving
-philippines.com. One of the few freediving centres in the
country; teacher Wolfgang will train you to hold your
breath for 2-3 minutes at a time and dive without equip-
ment. Prices start at US$125/day.
Savedra Dive Center T 032 474 3132, W savedra.com.
This five-star operation offers plenty of choice for all levels
of ability and has the only instructor development centre
in Moalboal. They also arrange dive safaris to Apo Island,
Bohol and Sipalay.
Visaya Divers Quo Vadis resort T 032 4743068, W quo
vadisresort.com. Swedish-Filipino owned and operated
since 1997.

EATING, DRINKING AND NIGHTLIFE
Chili's Bar Midway along the beach path. Lively place
with great sea views and two pool tables where you can
get a Jaegerbeer for just P99. Snacks and meals are also on
offer. Daily 9am-1.30am.
★

The Coffee Shop North end of the beach path
T 0906 353 4315. A fantastic new café, The Coffee Shop
offers great breakfasts (try the Parisienne, P180),
French crepes (P220), good coffee (P60-80) and daily
specials. The owner, Sebastien, is as friendly as the vibe,
right down to the sand on the floor. Free wi-fi. Daily
7am-10pm.
Hannah's Place Just to the right of the main road to
Moalboal. In spite of Hannah's passing, this lovely little
hideaway continues to serve the best seafood in town
(P350). Daily 8am-10pm.
★

ACCOMMODATION
It's best to book accommodation in advance, especially
at weekends.
Eve's Kiosk T 0917 950 5249 or T 0917 719 3388,
E [e-mail]. Just to the left of the path to
the main road. Run by friendly Eve, this place has clean
fan and a/c rooms (p1500) set around a garden area, as
well as a decent-sized pool and terrace rest auran t. Staff
can arrange transport to the airport in Cebu. P500
Moalboal Backpacker's Lodge T 0908 607 6240,
W moalboal-backpackerlodge.com. Along the main
beach path. The eight dorm beds are in the foyer area so
not ideal for those who value their privacy. There are also
a few doubles, one of which has a private bathroom
(P650). Amenities are basic, but staff are friendly, and
there' s a gue st kitc hen, sun deck and free wi-fi. Dorm
P275 , double P480
Nido's Garden Resort T 032 474 3068, W quo
vadisresort.com. Back from the beach on the road leading
past Marcosas Cottages Resort . Quo Vadis ' budget wing
gives preference to those diving at the resort but, if
available, the simple f an hu ts are a decent deal and offer
use of the resort pool. P980
Pacita's Beach Resort T 0910 858 7222. Towards the
southern end of the beach, just past where the path begins
to break up. Nice enough spot with a range of well-kitted-
out cottages set in gardens leading to the seafront. Avoid
Saturday nights here unless you plan to spend the night at
the disco next door which boom s music through the
grounds until the wee hours. P1000
★

The Last Filling Station Just south of Pacita's .
Friendly, laidback place rustling up tasty international
dishes and great wood-oven pizzas (P245), as well as
freshly baked bread and home-made yoghurt (P125) for
breakfast. Free wi-fi. Daily 6.30am-10pm.

8

DIRECTORY
Internet There are several internet cafés (P25/hr) in
Moalboal town; many hotels and cafés offer free wi-fi.
Money There is now an ATM which accepts foreign cards
in the 360 Pharmacy in Moalboal, though it's still best to
bring enough cash with you. There's a moneychanger by
the police station.
Tour operators Apart from diving, one of the best
things about Moalboal is Planet Action Adventure ( T 032
474 3016, W action-philippines.com), next to The Last
Filling Station, where you can arrange caving, trekking,
canyoning and mountain-biking trips, as well as renting
mountain bikes P300-700/day). Adventure day-trips
start from P2200.

BANTAYAN ISLAND
Just off Cebu's northwestern coast,
low-lying Bantayan Island was badly hit
by typhoon Yolanda. At the time of
writing boat services to the island were
limited and many hotels were still closed
or only partially open. he lack of diving
(and therefore diving clientele) means
that it may take Bantayan longer to get
back on its feet than Malapascua, but it

Tipolo Beach Resort T 0917 583 0062,
W tipoloresort.com. A slightly pricier option but well
worth the splurge with beautifully built bamboo a/c
chalets, all with private balcony and sea views. There's also